What Affects the Cost of Dental Implants?
Getting a dental implant is one of the best choices a person has if they want to replace a missing tooth. A lot of people prefer tooth implants since this treatment can look, feel, and function like it’s one of their pearly whites. Since this is screwed on the patient’s jawbone, this won’t move, shift, or click in the mouth, unlike other options that could slip when a person is eating or talking.
Doctors create a customized treatment plan for each patient. That’s why the number of appointments and procedures vary per person. For some, the whole treatment may take a long time, while it may only take a few months for others.
Due to that reason, the dental implant cost differs per patient. According to an article in the New York Times, For Most, Implants Beat Dentures, but at a Price, the average price of a single implant will play around $3,000 to $4,500. This also depends on the state the patient lives in. However, this price is not guaranteed since there are other factors that can affect the total cost.
Materials Used
The first factor to consider is the things utilized by the doctor in the procedure. There are two primary materials used for the implants—titanium and zirconium. Titanium is most commonly used for this treatment and regarded as the best material since it is biocompatible or closely matches the human body. Zirconium is a ceramic implant that is considered an excellent alternative to titanium. It’s also biocompatible and hypoallergenic.
Between the two implant materials, zirconia can be more expensive due to its manufacturing costs. The abutment may cost around $300 to $500. The price of the crown, which is customized to look natural, could be anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000. The patient’s choice of materials and the quality can make a great difference in the total cost.
Preparation Procedures
Some patients may need additional procedures before the doctor places the implants, which will generate more costs. People whose jawbones are not strong enough to hold the screws are usually required to undergo preparation procedures.
Additional procedures may include the following:
- Barrier membranes
- Bone augmentation
- CT scans
- Surgical guides
- Tooth extraction
- X-rays
If a person is required to undergo any of these procedures, the final cost of their treatment will be much higher than the average. For example, a tooth extraction may add about $100 to $400 to the original cost. The price of the extraction will depend on the location and the type of tooth that has to be removed. If a patient needs bone augmentation, $250 to $1,100 can be added to their total expenses.
Geographical Location
Another thing that can affect the price of the treatment is the place where the patient lives. The cost of dental implants varies in each state. Some places offer lower prices for the treatment, while some give a much higher price. This is because in certain areas, the cost of living, including rent and utilities, is higher than in some states.
For example, in California, the average price of dental implants is around $3,178. Los Angeles offers the lowest at $2,291, and Riverside has the highest amount, which is $4,125. In New York, the price range is from $3,000 to $6,000, which is on the higher end. In Louisiana, specifically Baton Rouge, Hammond, or Gretna, a person can find implants starting at $999, plus abutment and crown.
Get Implants From a Trusted and Reliable Doctor
Tooth implants are a great choice of treatment for missing teeth. But you should also remember that the dental implant cost doesn’t just rely on the treatment itself since there are a lot of factors that can affect its price. There are necessary procedures and steps needed, but this is also an assurance that it will be successful.
If you want to get dental implants, try to check the dental clinics in your area first. As much as possible, you should consider the three factors that can affect the price of the treatment as well. Schedule a consultation with a dentist you can trust. This way, you’ll learn more about the procedure and the average price in your area.